BUSINESS: People’s Church

In the spring of 2001, Pastor Herbert Cooper and his wife Tiffany felt called by God to uproot their successful ministry in Springfield, MO and relocate to Oklahoma City. Without knowing what the future had in store, the Coopers sold their home in January 2002 and launched People’s Church, holding their initial services in the AMC Theater at Quail Springs Mall.

Sixty-five people attended their first service in the theater. People’s has grown to an attendance of over 5,000 people at its five locations, including three in the metro area.

“Statistics show that most people wouldn’t drive more than 15-20 minutes to attend a church. So to help our church be able to reach their friends, family and neighbors in a very large metro area, we have created different locations for people to experience the hope of Christ,” says Michele Morris, Central Ministry Director at People’s Church. 

Technology has fueled the church’s rapid expansion. “It made the idea of being a multi-site church possible. We just launched our fifth location inside the Mabel Bassett Correctional Facility in McLoud, OK. We are able to have a full service inside the prison, with dynamic worship and practical teaching every single Sunday. That wouldn’t have been possible without technology,” Morris says.

It’s not just locations that are benefiting from technology. “Social media allows us to communicate in a whole new way, not only with people who attend our church, but also with people that don’t currently attend church at all. Someone can ask us a question on Facebook, watch one of our services online, or even plan a visit on our website before they ever step through the doors of our church.”

Community outreach plays a pivotal role in the mission of People’s Church, particularly to those who are often marginalized in society. “We strive to reach those who are often forgotten about and to show them the love of Christ,” Morris explains. The church has helped beautify several schools in the metro area and also hosts an annual Day of Hope event for children whose parents are unable to purchase backpacks, supplies, and haircuts for back to school.

Morris says People’s Church is a place for everyone. “A visitor can expect a friendly church that is both engaging and inspiring! We like to say that People’s Church is a place where ‘It’s OK not to be OK.’  You can come just like you are, with hurt, habits, and hang-ups. Everyone is welcome.”

For locations, service times and more information, visit www.PeoplesChurch.tv.